Presidential Proclamation Extends Suspension of Certain New Immigrant Entries- NO IMPACT to F/J Students & Scholars, Current Faculty/Staff

Please note: The information provided in this post was accurate and up-to-date at the time of posting. Due to the dynamic nature of immigration policy, it is possible that the information or links provided may have changed over time. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and relevance of the content.

January 6, 2021

On Thursday, December 31, 2020, President Trump extended through March 31, 2021 the “Proclamation on Suspension of Entry of Immigrants and Nonimmigrants Who Continue to Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market.” 

Who is impacted by this proclamation?

The entry of any individual into the U.S. in the visa categories below is temporarily suspended until March 31, 2021 unless the visa or other official travel document issued was approved by a U.S. Consulate prior to June 24, 2020:

  • An H-1B or H-2B visa and anyone accompanying these individuals 

  • A J visa in the following categories: Intern, Trainee, Teacher, Camp Counselor, Au Pair, or Summer Work, and anyone accompanying these individuals

  • An L visa and anyone accompanying these individuals

Who is NOT impacted by this proclamation?

This proclamation does NOT impact individuals in the United States who currently hold H-1B status or are awaiting approval of H-1B change of status or extension of status petitions.

Additionally, the proclamation does not impact the following:

  1. F-1 or J-1 students (including the OPT/STEM OPT program). Our understanding is that the J-1 Student Intern category is also not included since it is a student category and differs from the J-1 Intern category.

  2. J-1s in the Research Scholar, Short Term Scholar, and Specialist categories. 

  3. Any lawful permanent residents.

  4. Spouses or children of U.S. citizens

  5. Individuals seeking to enter the U.S. to provide temporary labor or essential services to the U.S. food supply chain

  6. Any individual whose entry would be in the national interest

In addition, the April 22, 2020 Proclamation (Suspension of Entry of Immigrants Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market During the Economic Recovery Following the 2019 Novel Coronavirus Outbreak) has been extended to March 31, 2021.

Berkeley International Office (BIO) assures you that we are closely monitoring continuing issues impacting our international student, scholar, and employee populations. BIO will continue to keep our populations and the campus community up to date on any changes in this situation on our generalImmigration Policy Updates webpage, ourBIO COVID-19 Updates & FAQ page, and via email. Contact information, including student advising hours and scholar and employee appointment information, can be foundon our website

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